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REMEMBERING THE LAST, THE LEAST AND THE LOST… THE REFUGEE CRISIS
- justlovebrum
- Apr 30, 2020
- 4 min read
Amidst this pandemic it is certainly easy to forget about the injustices in our world and become wrapped up in our own little bubbles. Instead, we need to have a Jesus centered approach: putting others first, loving generously and pursuing justice as we strive to SEEK HIS KINGDOM! Therefore, we don’t want to just scratch the surface by isolating issues in our series ‘A world beyond COVID-19’. We want to delve deeper, in order to really understand how COVID-19 makes many justice issues even more urgent.
Last Saturday we tuned in to discuss the current refugee crisis with Esther. We reflected on some staggering and quite sobering statistics, voicing our anger and passions over the injustices against some of the most vulnerable in our global society!
70.8 million people have been forcibly displaced worldwide… That is 1 almost every 2 SECONDS
37000 people are forced to flee their homes because of conflict or persecution EVERYDAY [1]
Harnessing this zeal for action, we decided to launch a fundraiser to help refugees in the UK...
Particularly in our hearts were the refugee youth, since over 50% of the world's refugees are under 18 and only 1-3% of them receive a higher education [2] (something we massively take this for granted in the UK as a rite of passage).
Partnering with STAR (Student Action for Refugees) we are ‘climbing Everest’ to raise money for their ‘Equal Access Campaign’ which fights to provide refugees with higher education in the UK. If you want to support us in this fundraiser you can donate to our just giving page here!
Now, let’s dig deeper!
“If ever we needed reminding that we live in an interconnected world, the novel coronavirus has brought that home.”
- UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi [3]
COVID-19 knows no borders. It has no language barriers. It threatens everyone on this planet – including refugees and other displaced people.
Take a minute to think about it. We know that the refugee crisis, even before COVID-19, was critical. Unimaginable for us, in the comfort of our homes. Due to the geographical mobility of refugees, instability, violence, persecution, overcrowded conditions and lack of sanitation, cleaning facilities and health care, refugees are some of the most vulnerable people at the best of times.
Now introduce a highly contagious virus…
There is no such thing as social distancing or self isolation in a refugee camp. It’s impossible! There is little access to face masks, gloves or hand sanitiser. No 2 metre marker. Conflict, persecution and violence stops for no man. And… to add to that, many organisations and volunteers are unable to help due to safety concerns, lockdowns and travel bans.
Over 80% of the world’s refugees and nearly all the world’s internally displaced people are hosted in low to middle income countries. This further underlines the risk refugees are at during this pandemic, and in its aftermath. Countries lack resources to aid such vulnerable people, especially with regards to readiness and response operations. Refugees are often left out of disaster and epidemic preparedness planning at the best of times; they are not the priority now either.
But, do not despair!
Despite the situation looking hopeless, people and organisations have not given up! Instead, they have persevered when faced with an almost impossible task. The UNHCR (UN Refugee Agency) and many other incredible organisations are implementing preventative measures, educating refugees about the problem and seeking to provide them with what they need - from food, to increasing medical care and PPE. Their most effective responses are strengthening WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene) services and reinforcing shelters to be more adequate amidst the pandemic. It is clear that to best tackle this crisis, health care and services need to be made available to the most vulnerable in society.
Some of the most uplifting things I have heard coming from camps are how refugees themselves are contributing their businesses and using their talents to brighten life in the camp and keep others safe!
Maombi Samil is a refugee from the Democratic Republic Of Congo, who runs a clothes business in Kenya’s Kakuma camp. Him and his team began making face masks with his materials when he realised there was a huge shortage in his area.
“I wanted to use my talent and locally available fabric to show that we can also contribute to the pandemic.”
Within a week, he had delivered 300 facemasks to the UN Refugee Agency in Kakuma as well as giving away masks to refugees and local people who could not afford to buy them. He recognised that social distancing wasn’t possible, and sought to do the next best thing by helping residents protect themselves.
A Syrian family based in the German town of Seddiner See have also been working hard to supply face masks to nurses facing shortages too.
“If we can give something back to Germany, then we are happy.”- Fatima
Fatima, the mother, explained “we were so warmly welcomed in Seddiner See. We found shelter, we have jobs and our children can go to school.” When they ran out of some supplies the community banded together!
These stories can bring us real joy! It is a reminder that people continue to put love into action and stand with the last the least and the lost. However, let’s not forget that advocacy work to protect the people who are already being denied their most basic rights is more vital than ever. The stateless need a home. They need their dignity and to be recognised as equal human beings!
Becca x
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